Twins and Supertwins: A Handbook for Early Childhood Professionals

This very well written, information-packed book is just waiting to answer all those questions you, educators and child care workers have about multiples. Not only is the author Eve-Marie Arce a mother of twins, but she is a highly educated woman who holds a doctoral degree. Her backgound is in organizational leadership, early childhood education, human and family development and child development. She draws upon a monumental store of research, past and present, to open the eyes and minds of educators, parents, and childhood professionals. The book is organized into three parts: "Historical Perspective" ; "Development" ; and "Needs and Practices". She includes reference to NOMOTC and the establishment of Multiple Birth Awareness Month in April 2009. Several authors whose writings have been reviewed here in Notebook are also referenced. These include Dr. Nancy Segal, Alessandra Piontelli, our own Dr. Rebecca E. Moskwinski, Gary D. Steinman, Chistina Verni and Chistina Baglivi Tinglof. Arce's research encompasses the globe. The reader learns terminology beyond the basic identical/fraternal identification. You will see terms like sesquizygotic which refers to twins who ar the result of fertilization by two separate sperm after the one egg has split, so that half of the genetic material is identical and twins can be either same or opposite gender. Biologist Michael Golubovsky refers to this type as "half-identical". Thus that "silly" question to parents of boy/girl twins, "Are they identical?" seems a bit more plausible! Another term, lionization refers to a process of inactivation of an X chromosome in the embryonic cells whenthey implant in the uterus. This accounts for different traits depending on whether the X came from the mother or the father. Chapter 7 discusses "Program Practices to Meet Unique Needs of Preschool Twins" (PPUNPT). Of the 36 practices noted, the author identifies six practices considered to be the most important (p. 159). Of particular interest is a discussion on "Focused Issue: Individual Identity and Collective Identity" (p. 165). Teachers from workshops are noted as remarking the children don't have recognizable differences; they seem like the same kid. They look and act the same. Most of those teachers didn't believe the kids know themselves as individuals and comment, "If they don't see themselves as individuals, how are we supposed to help them?" Those types of comments illustrate the imortance of and need for focused information about identity and achievement of self-identity by multiples. You will take a journey through the classroom placement maze and be reassured that the author says open communication and parental input is of highest importance. The old trend of separating twins automatically has been debunked. Parents, teachers, caregivers and anyone associated with multiples will learn something from this book. Your time reading will be short and well spent. This is an easily read text that will capture your interest. Get a copy and enjoy! NB

This comprehensive resource on educating twin children comes at a critical time. Twinning rates are rising and new information is accumulating at a rapid rate. Twins and Supertwins will help teachers, principals, administrators and parents make all the right decisions as twins, triplets and more approach the school-age years.

TWINS AND SUPERTWINS: A HANDBOOK FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS provides important keys to supporting twins during their formative yeras, focuses on the unique needs of twins and supertwins (children of a multiple birth of three or more), and is based on the latest research on twins. Educators receive keys to differenct approaches and practices which include guidelines for growth and transition, a fine pick for any educator's collection.

This handbook, written for childcare professionals and other caretakers of preschool-aged twins or children of a multiple birth, such as triplets, presents information on the unique needs and development of multiples. Organized into three sections, the guide covers definitions and data related to twinning, the physical, social, and emotional development of twins or multiples, issues of identity and individualism, language considerations, and suggested best practices for meeting the needs of twins within a childcare program. A gloassary of terms is provided as well as appendixes containing lists of needs, best practices, and resources. Arce, is a childhood development consultant and the mother and grandmother of twins. (Annotation 2010 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Twins are truly something special, and require special care all their own. Twins and Supertwins: A Handbook for Early Childhood Professionals delves into the special needs of twins and supertwins, author Eve-Marie Arce's term for triplets or more. Twins require different care due to their nature of growing up together and the psychological issues that may arise; there is plenty of advice here for any parent or caretaker that applies to them. Twins and Supertwins is a read not to be missed for these individuals.